New guidelines for lithium-ion batteries container transport aim to reduce the growing associated risks.
The Cargo Incident Notification System Network (CINS) and its partners have compiled a publication covering the properties of these batteries and their potential to explode, initiate fires and emit toxic gases.
This publication is a result of a one-day conference conducted on 15 March by the IG P&I Clubs, CINS, and TT Club to bring all partners together to debate such risks and exchange knowledge and experience of carriage across the logistics supply chain.
According to the statement, extensive measures, including classification and regulation, container packing, landside storage, stowage onboard ships, incident detection and fire suppression, and loss prevention and risk mitigation, are fully examined in order to safely transport what is an exponentially increasing volume of lithium-ion batteries, in their various states or charge, and when also contained in electronic devices.
“We strongly urge all stakeholders in the production, supply, transport, handling and sale of lithium-ion batteries whether as individual components or integrated into an electronic device, vehicle or other product to recognise their responsibilities in maximising safety when in transit,” said Dirk Van de Velde, deputy chair of CINS and board member of the association of cargo handlers, ICHCA.
The Lithium-ion Batteries in Containers Guidelines (101. A) provide an overview and will be followed by three additional documents: regulation compliance checklists, risk assessment and emergency action, and training and instructional awareness.
Dirk Van de Velde added, “Our Guidelines will create greater awareness of the possibilities of the damaging and life-threatening incidents, which have already occurred, and instil more urgent motivation to act before more catastrophic disasters result.”
